If You Build It, Block by Block, They Will Come

This theme is about the amount of cathedrals and churches that were built, attempting to found large cities because of the pilgrims coming to visit these holy sites. Also, the block by block part is about the type of building material most popularly used in their cathedrals.

Historical Context

During this period, a large social order was put upon the large majority of Europe. The entirety of a kingdom was ruled by a king, who had power over the entire territory. Nobles, in exchange for service to the king were granted estates, or sections of the kingdom. Vassals were lesser lords given lands inside Nobles lands. Peasants, at the bottom, worked the land for the Vassals. This system was known as Feudalism and was the entirety of the political system during the Middle Ages.

During this time, Europe was relatively peaceful compared to earlier, and was heavily Christian. The entirety of a normal persons life was dedicated to the next. The common people also went on large pilgrimages, such as to the holy sites in Jerusalem, or to Rome to see holy sites there. During this period city planners saw that most great cities built around a holy site, and so sought to turn their small towns into large cities by the building of these sites to attract pilgrims. This made cities grow, and the builders often turned to Rome for inspiration, and learning. This led to a large amount of buildings that are very Roman "Like" hence the "Romanesque" period. Characteristics for art were very much like Rome, but with more applications to religion.